Radiation is also used as an aid in certain treatment-related procedures.
Radiation-based examinations are uset in various ways to investigate and promote human health. These examinations may be essential for diagnosis or treatment and cannot always be replaced by non-radiation methods such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.
Before a radiation-based examination
The referring physician and the imaging unit staff always ensure in advance that the radiation-based examination is necessary for you. In such cases, the expected benefit outweighs the potential harm caused by radiation.
As a patient, you have the right to receive prior information about the planned radiation-based examination or procedure. You also have the right to receive sufficiently clear information about the intended benefit and any potential risks associated with radiation.
This information must be provided in a way that allows you to adequately understand its content. This enables you to participate in planning your own care. You will receive answers to your questions from a healthcare professional—either the physician referring you to the examination or the staff at the imaging unit.
It is important that you understand why the radiation-based examination is necessary and what benefits are being sought.